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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
VICTORIA
– Starting in 2007, Daylight Saving
Time in British Columbia will begin three weeks earlier in the spring and last
one week longer, Attorney General Wally Oppal announced today following a
four-week public consultation.
“Adjusting
our Daylight Saving Time dates will align us with the United States and other
Canadian provinces,” Oppal said. “During a month-long consultation, we received
4,296 written and electronic submissions from the public, business and other
organizations. Over 90 per cent were in favour of the change.”
Beginning
in 2007, Daylight Saving Time (DST) in most of B.C. will begin three weeks
earlier, on the second Sunday in March – March 11, 2007. The period will end on
the first Sunday in November – that is Nov. 4, 2007. Exceptions will be those
areas of the province that have historically chosen to observe different times
for all or part of the year. The Peace River region does not observe DST, so
its clocks will not change. The East Kootenay region observes Mountain Time,
and will likely continue to synchronize its clocks with Alberta.
“It’s a smart move for businesses like
tourism, travel and telecommunications, and means we will be in sync with much of
the country and our biggest trade partner – the United States,” Oppal said.
“Provinces that have already announced they will adopt the change include
Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and New Brunswick.”
The
DST change was adopted in the United States as part of its Energy Policy Act.
It was brought forward as an energy-saving policy, since DST shifts an hour of
daylight time from morning to evening, which is the period of greatest energy
usage.
The Attorney General is responsible for the
Interpretation Act, which includes reference to time and is the authority under
which Daylight Saving Time is prescribed in the province.
British
Columbians on Daylight Saving Time will change their clocks twice more this
year before the new Daylight Saving Time period begins in 2007. Daylight Saving
Time in 2006 begins Sunday, April 2 and a return to Standard Time will take
place on Oct. 29, 2006.
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contact: |
Communications Director Ministry of Attorney General 250 387-4965 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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